The battle is here. The line is drawn. Trans people are fighting for their lives—and it’s time for cis allies to do more than say the right things or post the right hashtags. Allyship is a title that must be earned, not self-appointed. It’s not a badge of honour to wear, but a commitment to action. It’s a willingness to risk comfort and fight relentlessly for justice.
If you call yourself an ally, your words are no longer enough. Silence is complicity. Every attack on trans people—every law, every act of violence, every dehumanising policy—happens in a society where cis people hold the power to influence outcomes. So the question isn’t whether you support trans people. The question is: what are you actively doing to fight for us?
What Allyship Requires Now
- Show Up in the Streets and Online
Whether it’s at protests, rallies, or online campaigns, your presence matters. Don’t wait for trans people to organise and lead—take the initiative. Start rallies, amplify petitions, and demand justice in your community. Be loud and unapologetic. - Challenge Anti-Trans Rhetoric Everywhere
At the dinner table, in your workplace, on social media—don’t let hate slide. Confront it head-on. Correct disinformation. Make it clear that transphobia has no place near you or in the spaces you inhabit. - Use Your Privilege Strategically
Cis allies have access to spaces and people that trans folks often don’t. Use that access. Speak up in meetings. Advocate relentlessly, whether it’s calling out hate in your workplace, lobbying your representatives, or amplifying trans voices that have been silenced. - Donate and Resource
Trans organisations and activists are doing vital work, often with limited resources. Your money, time, and platforms can make a tangible difference. Support trans-led mutual aid funds, legal defences, and advocacy groups. Share calls for resources widely. - Vote Like Lives Depend On It—Because They Do
Anti-trans legislation is sweeping across Canada and the United States. Vote out the lawmakers pushing these agendas and hold the ones who claim to support us accountable. Voting alone won’t solve this, but it’s a critical step in stopping the harm. - Educate Yourself Without Adding to the Burden
Trans people are not here to be your teachers or therapists. Take responsibility for your own learning. Countless resources exist to help you understand the stakes—books, articles, podcasts, and toolkits. Seek them out. Get informed so that you can show up better.
Why This Matters
The attacks on trans people have escalated to a fever pitch. From anti-trans laws to rising violence1 2 3 4 5, this isn’t just a political issue—it’s a fight for survival. Trans people have always led the charge for liberation, but we shouldn’t have to do it alone.
Cis allies, you have power. You have access. You have platforms. Now is the time to wield them with purpose. If you’re not actively in the fight, you’re part of the problem.
The battle has begun. Pick a side. If you’re with us, prove it.
Concrete Actions You Can Take Right Now
- Support Trans Mutual Aid and Organisations
- Learn and Share Resources
- Join Advocacy Efforts
- Push for Corporate Accountability
Hold companies to their diversity statements. Email their executives, use social media campaigns, and demand they speak out against anti-trans laws and rhetoric. - Show Up Locally
- Attend or organise rallies in your area.
- Speak at city council meetings or state/provincial legislative sessions.
The Takeaway
Being an ally isn’t a comfortable role—it’s a committed one. Now is the time to prove your dedication. Trans people are under attack, but we are not defeated. With your active, unwavering support, we can turn the tide.
If you claim to be an ally, it’s time to show up. We need you on the battlefield.
- https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-declares-state-of-emergency-for-lgbtq-americans ↩︎
- https://everytown.org/
↩︎ - https://avp.org/ncavp/ ↩︎
- https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/ ↩︎
- https://www.erininthemorning.com/ ↩︎